The Twelve #6 – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (Writer), Chris Weston (Pencils and Inks), Garry Leach (Inks), and Chris Chuckry (Colors)

I won’t lie, this series seems to be getting slower and slower. Don’t get me wrong, J. Michael Straczynski’s narrative and characterization are still a cut above the rest, and Chris Weston’s art is still the perfect fit for the tone and theme of this series, but with this issue marking the halfway point of this series, it doesn’t feel like much has happened. While I’ve always said that these twelve people and their respective personalities are what move this story forward, I’m almost ready to break down and admit that I want something to happen already! For being halfway done, there is still no real villain, the mystery of Blue Blade death foreshadowed in the first issue hasn’t been touched upon, and nine out of the twelve characters are still in the same circumstances that they have been in since issue #2.

Despite my complaints, this issue is still somewhat satisfying. This time we get more background stories (including the tragic truth behind Rockman’s origin; if you thought it was sad before, wait until you learn what really happened), and a further exploration of the characters in different situations. We also get a rather big reveal about Black Widow’s character that I never suspected (hint: the reason she does not seem interested in Phantom Reporter may not be what you think)! Likewise, we get to see Dynamic Man placed into a rather awkward situation, the result of which has me slightly confused about his character. Hints in the first issue about certain “tendencies” of his left me expecting an opposite reaction to what he portrayed in this issue. Perhaps the most redeeming part of the story was at the very end where it certainly seemed to imply that we might finally get some of the action that I’ve been itching for.

Like last time, this issue certainly won’t interest any brand new readers, but to anyone who has become a fan of these characters, the interesting developments this time around should hold you over until we finally (maybe) get some action in the next part. (Grade: B-)

-M. Staples

A Second Opinion

I couldn’t disagree with McKenzie more. This issue is incredible in that it finally touches upon some of the more interesting characters and subplots that have been brimming for the last six months. Mr. Dynamic’s ignorant and intolerant personality finally explodes. Black Widow gets a lot more exposure, though she’s still cryptic. Phantom Reporter finds some much needed direction. And Rockman’s tragic past is finally revealed. Seriously, to say there’s nothing happening is ridiculous! I understand where Mr. Staples is coming from in his review, but when dealing with an ensemble cast this large, you can’t expect the story to move so quickly without establishing who these people.

While there may be a lack of any true villainy, I think the story’s actually more compelling by eliminating the classic good versus evil spiel and forcing these people to see that the world isn’t painted in extremes. It’s safe to say that The Twelve (along with time, itself) are their own worst enemies. This is easily one of the best issues of the series thus far. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

The Twelve #5 (of 12) – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (Writer), Chris Weston (Pencils), Garry Leach (Inks), and Chris Chuckry (Colors)

This issue, while still well told and entertaining, is really just more of the same. We get the origin of The Witness and we see Captain Wonder punch Dynamic Man (finally!), but we really get no movement forward in the story except for the very end. So to anyone not already reading this series, this will likely do very little to convert you should you pick it up.

That said, we do get more delving into the individual characters, which it what this series seems to revolve around. J. Michael Straczynski continues to provide well written characterizations for every single person featured. The Blue Blade’s scene, for example, approaches cheesiness, but this is not due to the way it is written – it is simply the way that Blue Blade would act. So although slightly annoying, it is still acceptable. Similarly, we get several examples of how out-of-place these characters are in our time as we see them interact with some of the nastier aspects. Chris Weston’s art continues to fit like glove for this series. It works so well at maintaining the old comic art flavor that I had to remind myself several times that this story takes place in the modern day. Likewise, he makes these characters just as personal as Straczynski.

Perhaps the best part of the characterization is their interaction with each other, aside from the earlier mentioned fight, we get to see much more development between Dynamic Man and Captain Wonder. And much to my surprise, Dynamic Man actually has an almost plausible reason for being such a jerk. So while this series may not be filled with action and super villains, as always, it is the characters which continue to move the story forward. (Grade: B)

-M. Staples

A Second Opinion

I agree with the review above. This issue is more of the same, but I don’t see this issue as a rehash, but more as a continuance of the story. These characters, in many ways, are their own worst enemies – not because they’re bad people, but because they’re more real and fleshed out a hell of a lot more than the cheap costumes they wear. They’re men out of time that can’t accept the future they’ve been given. I’ve got a bad feeling that those who attempt to embrace it (Dynamic Man, Blue Blade) will eventually run into a horrible end.

There’s little to complain about where this series is concerned. Probably the only thing that’s constantly disappointing is how little we see of the characters in each issue. But there are 12 of them. How can I griped about that? Hopefully, we get more of Black Widow and RockMan next issue.

I’m running out of good things to say about this series. It’s got seven issues to go before it reaches its conclusion and if the creative team can keep the quality at this level, The Twelve will go down as one of the great pieces of comics literature – up there with Watchman and The Dark Knight. I really do not say this lightly, either. The Twelve is not as revolutionary as the aforementioned titles, but it is definitely a redefining of a genre – the reemergence of the Golden Age heroes as complicated, three-dimensional personalities.
(Grade: A)

– J. Montes

The Twelve #4 (of 12) – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Chris Weston (pencils), Garry Leach (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

I’ll be keeping this review short, as my original draft was lost when my computer unexpectedly shut down. In a nutshell, The Twelve #4 is another fantastic issue by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. I wasn’t blown away by this issue like the previous, but that’s only because the “new-ness” of the series has finally worn off. But don’t take that, by any means, as a slight towards the issue. The momentum started by Straczynski continues with the first ramifications (of many, I’m sure) hitting the team.

Laughing Mask gets his guns confiscated when the police show up looking for evidence of the robbery he brutally stopped. Black Widow’s “sacrifice” or murder (seen last issue), may also come back to bite her in the butt as well. We also get more character development as Rockman delves into his own backstory. It feels completely like golden age pulp, but at the same time it’s fascinating. The concept is so much fun that I’d pay to see a Rockman solo book someday, and how his history fits into the Marvel Universe.

Dyanamic Man also makes a return. I can’t decide which version of this character is more interesting. The racist, almost Nazi poster boy version portrayed by this series or the visionary and robotic utopian builder portrayed in Project Superpowers. I find it interesting that both Straczynski and Jim Krueger decided to make their versions unlikeable. But Straczynski probably gets the edge by giving his version of Dynamic Man more complexities.

If you’ve been following this series, then you’ll find yourself completely immersed in another mature and engrossing installment. This is the best team book Marvel’s got going right now. And Chris Weston’s art is stunning. (Grade: A)

The Twelve #3 – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Chris Weston (pencils), Garry Leach (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

Wow, this book is so damn good. In my opinion, The Twelve is J. Michael Straczynski’s best work. The amount of “character study” he’s put into this cast is just staggering. And the way they’ve been acting to their new found lives in the modern age is completely enthralling. I won’t even get into Chris Weston’s art. Talk about being meticulous, Weston draws his heart out with each issue, rendering a world that is so detail oriented, while not feeling “photo referenced”. Inker Garry Leach provides all the support by bringing those pencils to life.

Issue #3 gives us more of the same, as the Twelve try to discover their place in this new world. Phantom Reporter lands a job at the Daily Bugle after a heart-felt speech by Bugle reporter Samuel Kingston. Fiery Mask and The Witness hit up an old bar that still stands, mingling with the new clientele and culture around them. Mister E returns to his wife and son, only to be completely pushed away. Laughing Mask shows us that he may not be entirely a “good guy”. Blue Blade really wants to be Errol Flynn, while Black Widow displays more signs of creepiness. And yes, all these characters are interesting and completely unique.

The way this story is written, it’s completely realized as something you might see on HBO. It’s taking its time – moving in baby steps, but each step is a joy to behold. I love these characters to death; they feel so real – so humanized. Sure, there’s a few psychos among them, but that just adds to the intrigue. Probably the best mini-series you’ll ready this year. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

The Twelve #2 – Review

By J. Michael Straczynski (writer), Chris Weston (pencils), Garry Leach (inks), Chris Chuckry (colors)

First off, I love the covers of this series. The art, typography, and captions invoke old school stories. And Chris Weston? His interiors are amazing. From the first page of issue #2, I was enthralled with his line work. The interior color is a bit muted and cold compared to the cover art; I wonder if this choice by design to keep it somewhat grounded with Golden Age comics (newsprint loves to suck up the color). Whatever the choice was, this book almost feels like a Vertigo book to me – and that’s not a bad thing.

This issue follows up on The Twelve’s acclimatization into modern society. The team expects a utopia from the novels they’ve read, but instead face a harsh, gritty reality. Each character deals with this struggle in his or her own way and we get to see it first hand. Electro, the robot who was left deactivated in Berlin last issue finally comes home, but we don’t get to see much of him after that. And Blue Blade’s demise? Well, it’s also not touched upon. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a big build up before we figure out what happened to him.

J. Michael Straczynski is one hell of a wordsmith and he knows how to write for ensemble casts – his character dialogue flows incredibly well. Each is given so much depth and their distinct voices expose the flaws that accompany their personalities. You care about these characters, flaws or not, and despite one or two of them being complete jerks, you also get that they’re a product of their times, not ours. Don’t wait for the trade, buy this book now. It’s the complete package. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes